The Buffalo Bill Dam project was one of Wyoming’s most impressive engineering wonders. At the time, it was almost thought of as an impossible task! This historic series of tunnels is located in the northwestern part of the state just west of Cody, and you’ll want to visit to drive through the longest tunnel in Wyoming.

Blue Struggle Bus/Google Reviews
The tunnels are located in this area because the U.S. Reclamation Service, who was responsible for building the dam, chose this canyon along the Shoshone River because they felt like it would be the perfect spot with the Shoshone Canyon and river side-by-side. Crews had to carve a road through the canyon in order to access the dam site.
Flickr/Charles Willgren
The road, Highway 16/20, leading to the Buffalo Bill Dam, Shoshone Canyon Tunnel, and the dam itself, came to fruition because of "Buffalo Bill" Cody's vision of using this area for an irrigation project so that the Big Horn region could be irrigated and turned into productive agricultural land. This project became known as the Shoshone Project.

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Flickr/Craig Bennett
After the dam itself was completed, they continued to build the road west so it would connect to the road that leads to Yellowstone National Park. In the 1920s, the road and tunnel became part of the National Park Service's Park-to-Park Highway system.
Flickr/Craig Bennett
Due to Buffalo Bill's vision and insight, not to mention this road and series of tunnels, a great deal of land was opened up in northwestern Wyoming for irrigated farming. The dam was also used to generate power to this region. People were now able to sustain and maintain a functional life in this part of the state.
Flickr/Charles Willgren
Today, this scenic stretch provides residents and tourists spectacular views as they travel through the canyon tunnel and around the Buffalo Bill Reservoir as they head toward Yellowstone.

Check out this video by YouTube user @piktrains.

What do you think of the Buffalo Bill Dam history? Have you ever visited Buffalo Bill Dam and the Cody Mountain Tunnel? Let us know! For another unique attraction in Wyoming, check out There’s A Little Known Unique Natural Bridge In Wyoming… And It’s Truly Amazing.

If you plan on spending a few days in Cody, Wyoming, check out the vacation rentals on Vrbo.

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More to Explore

Unique Places In Wyoming

Kim Magaraci | October 28, 2020

What is the most famous bridge in Wyoming?

Wyoming's tallest bridge (and pretty much its only bridge) is the Sunlight Creek Bridge:

  • This remarkable feat of engineering sits over Sunlight Creek along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.
  • Pull into the small parking lot right past the bridge and you can walk across it, along a safe sidewalk.
  • If you're afraid of heights, though, don't look down!

What are the best day trips in Wyoming?

The best day trips in Wyoming involve getting to know our state's stunning wilderness! Here are a few we think you should take:

  • In Sublette County, visit Pinedale and Fremont Lake in any season to be surrounded by wonder.
  • If you're closer to Cody, a trip to Hart Mountain shows off a dark period of Wyoming history and a fascinating natural wonder.
  • Jackson and the Star Valley region offer endless day trip possibilities, from the Elk Refuge, to Grand Teton, to Afton's interesting intermittent spring.
  • In Cheyenne, you can spend a day at the Terry Bison Ranch feeding bison, or at the Depot Museum that's sure to take you back in time.
  • Make time to visit the Vedauwoo, too!

What unique tours in Wyoming can I take?

Here are a couple of unique tours you can take in Wyoming:

  • One of the coolest tours you can take in the Cowboy State is the trolley tour of Cody, Wyoming! You'll learn all about this popular town, including the history of how it was founded, some stories about famous residents, and a bit of Buffalo Bill's biography, too. The tour takes you to see the Buffalo Bill Center for the West, the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and Dam, and through the tunnel featured above.
  • Other incredible tours include ranger-led hikes through Grand Teton National Park and wildlife-watching tours of the Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park.

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Featured Addresses
Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center, 4808 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414, USA